“One-A-Week Challenge” – Week 24

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;”

— Ephesians 2:8 nasb

This is the third straight week that we have been reading and memorizing scripture that teaches us the three steps to heaven. Thus far we have learned Step One: The truth about ourselves – We are all sinners, which is our problem. Step Two: The truth about Jesus Christ – he is the provision and solution for our problem. This week we consider …

STEP THREE: We must face the TRUTH about Eternity.

After this life is over we are going to spend eternity in one of two places. It will either be in hell or in heaven – but we have a choice. We had no choice about where we were born, but we do have a choice about where we will spend eternity.

Remember, our sinful nature condemns us already. None of our good works, religious practices or anything else makes us fit for heaven, but Jesus alone did redeem us by His blood on the cross. But the question remains, “How do I know for sure that God has forgiven me of my sins and that I will go to heaven when I die?” The Bible says

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us .. and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—I John 1: 9 NASB

“if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
— Rom 10:9-11 NASB

So how can a person have God’s forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All ITrust Him.

You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life. You don’t need fancy words–only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:

Lord Jesus,

I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:

Follow Christ’s example in baptism.

Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.

In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.

Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.

Our friends, this is our hope for you! If you have never truly asked Jesus into your heart, we hope that you will do this today.